Bee pollen...this got me thinking

The other day, Stefanie (my girlfriend) and I were talking. Stef asked me about the supplement bee pollen as she discussed the latest article in her favorite fitness magazine. Apparently many of the contributing writers, models, and authors include bee pollen in their diets. Stef's question struck me, as much as it impressed me. Stef was reading about how great bee pollen is, but realized that no one really said what exactly bee pollen was so good at doing. Just to let you know, this article is not about the benefits of bee pollen (which are MANY!), rather I thought I'd take the opportunity to discuss supplements in general.

So many people out there frequent GNC, or Vitamin Shoppe, or other nutrition outlets. These same consumers purchase all kinds of vitamins, minerals, chemicals, supplements, and homeopathic remedies. Whether each individual actually knows why they take what they take is beyond me...but I am willing to bet that a good number take one pill or the other because they read about it, heard about it, or were told about it. Don't get me wrong, this is a great way to expand your knowledge base and enhance your own wellness, but take the time to really look into what it is that you're putting into your body.

For example, many are unaware of the difference between regular and standardized supplements. A standardized supplement will contain the same percentage of that supplement across every pill and every bottle, while regular supplements may not contain the same level of consistency.

Perhaps you're taking "anti-oxidants", and most know that "anti-oxidants" tend to aide in the prevention of cancer. Ask yourself if you know how they aide in this prevention. Anti-oxidants provide a barrier to free-radicals which cause oxidation of the cells. It is this oxidation that may lead to cancer and other problems.

My goal in writing this isn't to expound the benefits of anti-oxidants or bee pollen. I want everyone to question why you're taking one supplement over another, or this pill or that pill. Chances are there's a great reason, and the supplement is doing wonderful things for you. Just ask questions, not to doubt anything, but to learn everything. Let's go back to GI Joe (The Real American Hero)...Knowing is half the battle.

-BA

Fit2You Fitness, LLC
www.fit2youfitness.com
Philadelphia and Main-Line In Home Personal Training, Yoga, Nutrition and Corporate Health and Wellness